Staff Safety
2012 Annual Report to the Legislature
As required by RCW 72.09.680
November 1, 2012
Bernard Warner, Secretary
[email protected]
Dan Pacholke, Assistant Secretary
Prisons Division
[email protected]
Anmarie Aylward, Assistant Secretary
Community Corrections Division
[email protected]
This report is the second annual report to the Legislature as directed by Engrossed Senate Bill
5907 and contains information on staff safety concerns and mitigation strategies completed by
the Department of Corrections.
Table of Contents
Foreword................................................................................................................................................... 3
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Report Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Commitment to Safety .............................................................................................................................. 6
Prison Safety ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Statewide Security Advisory Committee .................................................................................................. 7
Local Security Advisory Committees ......................................................................................................... 8
Staff Training .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Security Forums ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Place Safety Musters ............................................................................................................................... 10
Mental Health Training ........................................................................................................................... 11
Team Tactics Training ............................................................................................................................. 11
New Policies ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Place Safety Muster ................................................................................................................................ 11
Staff Accountability ................................................................................................................................. 11
Pepper Spray .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Oleoresin Capsicum (Pepper) Spray........................................................................................................ 12
Security Technology ................................................................................................................................... 13
Electronic Security System Evaluation .................................................................................................... 13
Proximity Card System ............................................................................................................................ 14
Body Alarm Pilot ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Video Monitoring Cameras ..................................................................................................................... 14
Evidence Based Corrections ....................................................................................................................... 15
Motivating Offender Change .................................................................................................................. 15
Operation Place Safety............................................................................................................................ 15
Evidence Based Corrections Program Pilot ............................................................................................. 16
NIC Recommendations – Next Steps ......................................................................................................... 17
Management by Walking Around ........................................................................................................... 17
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2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
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Security Audit - Monroe Correctional Complex ...................................................................................... 17
Prisons Management – Labor Collaboration ............................................................................................. 18
Safety Article ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Community Corrections Safety .................................................................................................................. 19
Community Corrections Safety Committee ............................................................................................ 19
Staff Training ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Policy and Equipment Enhancements .................................................................................................... 21
Funding Requests .................................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix..................................................................................................................................................... 22
Airway Heights Corrections Center ....................................................................................................... A-1
Clallam Bay Corrections Center ............................................................................................................ A-2
Cedar Creek Corrections Center ........................................................................................................... A-3
Coyote Ridge Corrections Center.......................................................................................................... A-4
Larch Corrections Center ...................................................................................................................... A-5
Monroe Correctional Complex ............................................................................................................. A-6
Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women ..................................................................................... A-7
Olympic Corrections Center .................................................................................................................. A-8
Stafford Creek Corrections Center ........................................................................................................ A-9
Washington Corrections Center.......................................................................................................... A-10
Washington Corrections Center for Women ...................................................................................... A-11
Washington State Penitentiary ........................................................................................................... A-12
Washington Department of Corrections
2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
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Foreword
“It is the intent of the legislature to promote safe state correctional facilities. Following the tragic
murder of officer Jayme Biendl, the governor and department of corrections requested the national
institute of corrections to review safety procedures at the Monroe reformatory. While the report found
that the Monroe reformatory is a safe institution, it recommends changes that would enhance safety.
The legislature recognized that operating safe institutions requires ongoing efforts to address areas
where improvements can be made to enhance the safety of state correctional facilities. This act
addresses ways to increase safety at state correctional facilities and implements changes recommended
in the report of the national institute of corrections.”
– Legislative Declaration, RCW 72.09.680 [2011 c 252 §1]
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2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
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Staff Safety
2012 Annual Report to the Legislature
Executive Summary
Background
Following the murder of Officer Jayme Biendl in 2011, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) was
asked to review pertinent systems, policies, and procedures and submit recommendations to mitigate
safety and security vulnerabilities at the Washington State Reformatory.
The NIC findings and recommendations led to the introduction of Engrossed Senate Bill 5907 (ESB 5907),
at the request of Governor Gregoire, with the intent to promote safe prisons.
ESB 5907 was signed into law by the Governor on May 5, 2011. This legislation directed the Department
of Corrections (DOC) to:
•
Establish Local and Statewide Security Advisory Committees.
•
Establish teams composed of staff from many disciplines at each prison to evaluate offender
placement in job assignments and custody promotions.
•
Develop training curriculum on staff safety issues in prisons.
•
Develop a comprehensive plan for the use of oleoresin capsicum aerosol products (pepper
spray).
•
Submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature that include:
o
o
o
Security recommendations raised by the Security Advisory Committees;
Recommendations for additional resources or legislation to address security concerns in
prisons;
Recommendations for improving the ability of nonsupervisory classified employees to
provide input on safety concerns and the inclusion of safety issues in collective
bargaining.
Report Overview
In this second annual report to the Governor and Legislature, the Department of Corrections relates the
status of the implementation of legislative mandates, the work to incorporate the recommendations of
the NIC, and the dedication to the safety of all Department employees and offender populations.
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Prisons Division
•
Prison safety - This section outlines the Department’s progress from 2011 and the identified
next steps for improving staff and offender safety. The Department promotes a culture that
encourages: personal responsibility for safety; initiative in addressing security deficiencies; and
continual monitoring for security improvements in work areas, practices, procedures, policies
and physical layouts.
•
Staff Training - The Department is focused on incorporating safety elements into staff training.
Much of the training being offered to staff is focused on staff safety. Security training was
delivered to more than 800 first-level supervisors within the prison settings during 2011 – 2012
via Security Forums. Place Safety Musters complement the Security Forums and strengthen the
security foundation for all correctional workers. The Team Tactics Training program augments
skills in gaining control of offenders. The Department is planning to provide specialized training
to manage mentally ill offenders.
•
Evidence Based Corrections programs - The Department continues to look for and implement
programs that reduce recidivism and provide opportunities for offender change which leads to
safer facilities. The Department has identified three programs which address specific offender
behaviors: “Motivating Offender Change” being delivered to offenders housed in maximum
custody beds at the Washington State Penitentiary; “Operation Place Safety” in development as
a pilot program for gang-affiliated offenders at the Washington State Penitentiary and “Evidence
Based Corrections Pilot” underway at both Airway Heights Corrections Center and Coyote Ridge
Corrections Center.
•
Funding Needs - The funding requests outlined in this report reflect the recommendations of
the Statewide Security Advisory Committee and are a priority for the Department and achieving
the legislative mandate of ESB 5907.
Community Corrections Division
•
Community Corrections Safety – Provides an overview of strategies being implemented to
mitigate risk while increasing staff safety. Included is an overview of the Community Corrections
Safety Committee, policy revisions and new equipment which demonstrates the Department’s
commitment to supporting agency staff.
•
Staff Training - The training components for community corrections staff further promotes
staffs’ abilities to successfully engage offenders and intervene in high risk offender behavior and
incorporated staff safety curriculum.
•
Funding Requests - This report includes a request for funds to pilot the use of Electronic
Immobilization Devices in the community as well as for camera systems for two Work Release
facilities.
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Commitment to Safety
The Department of Corrections employs staff to work with offenders in total and partial confinement
facilities, as well as within the community. Staff responsibilities include working with offenders in
unpredictable and often dangerous settings. Despite great personal risk, staff perform these duties with
professionalism and pride. They do this because they believe in improving public safety and working
together for safe communities.
Listed below are a few examples of serious incidents that occurred in 2012:
•
In February of 2012, the West Complex of the Washington State Penitentiary experienced a shift
in offender behavior. In two serious incidents, offenders armed themselves with makeshift
weapons and turned their aggression on responding staff. These incidents prompted immediate
lockdowns of the facility. Staff methodically searched the living units, cells, and property of all
offenders. During this search, staff discovered and confiscated additional offender-made
weapons.
•
In August of 2012, a corrections officer was brutally assaulted by a mentally ill offender at the
Special Offender Unit of the Monroe Correctional Complex. The officer received serious injuries
from this attack.
•
In September of 2012, the Community Justice Center received several consecutive bomb threats
that resulted in threats to staff and the evacuation of the facility. The calls escalated in nature
and threat level. The caller has not been identified.
These incidents show clearly that our employees work at great risk. Staff safety is a discipline that must
be practiced by everyone at all times. The Department of Corrections promotes a culture of safety and
remains deeply committed to, and actively engaged in, improving employee and offender safety.
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Prison Safety
The Prisons Division continuously explores ways to enhance staff and offender safety. Much of this
work can be attributed to the input from Local and Statewide Security Advisory Committees. These
committees have empowered facility staff to take the initiative in identifying security gaps and have
furnished an avenue to address them. Employees continue to provide innovative solutions to everyday
challenges and actively engage in this process to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of others.
The success of this approach can be attributed to the support received from all levels of the agency. By
incorporating multi-disciplinary staff from all classifications, the submittals are broad and diverse; the
work is progressive and impactful; and the resolutions, while often simple, are effective.
Statewide Security Advisory Committee
The Statewide Security Advisory Committee was established in June of 2011 and continues to meet
regularly to evaluate security concerns or suggestions that may impact department policy or require
legislative funding.
In an October of 2011 letter to Secretary Bernard Warner, the Statewide Security Advisory Committee
identified two major security concerns and recommended that the Department request funding for
additional staff. Although these requests were included in Governor Gregoire’s budget request they
were not funded in the agency appropriation. The Statewide Security Advisory Committee continues to
support and request funding for these top two identified safety concerns:
•
Communication/Safety Concern – This concern addressed the need for additional staffing at the
stand-alone minimum prisons. The safety issue is that on graveyard shift, there are no
dedicated positions to monitor radio communications and emergency calls from staff.
•
Staff the Operations Booths – This request originally came from Coyote Ridge Corrections
Center, and is applicable to all medium custody level units in the prisons division. On day shift
the raised booths in the center of the living units are not staffed. Adding an additional officer on
day shift to each unit allows staff to monitor both sides of the living unit more effectively. This
also gives the unit immediate control of the doors in the living units and would prevent
offenders crossing between opposite sides of the living unit.
Chart 1 - Prison Funding Request
Prison Concern/Suggestion
Communication/Safety
Concern
Staff the Operations Booths
Corrections Center
FTEs
Total
(biennial)
Cedar Creek, Larch, Mission Creek, and
Olympic Corrections Centers
6.8
$
780,080
Airway Heights, Coyote Ridge, Stafford
Creek Corrections Centers, Washington
Corrections Center for Women,
Washington Corrections Center and
Washington State Penitentiary
22.1
$
2,641,234
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Local Security Advisory Committees
Local Security Advisory Committees have been established by all 12 prisons. These committees are
chaired by facility Captains or Lieutenants and include employees from a variety of disciplines. The local
committees meet monthly to consider and discuss security concerns or suggestions that have been
submitted by staff. Between June of 2011 and October 2012, the committees have received 1,052
suggestions. The vast majority of suggestions have been implemented in whole or part and completed
at the facility level.
Chart 2 - Security Concerns/Suggestions Status Statewide
Year
Total Received
Completed at
Local Level
Referred
Statewide
2011
2012
Total
551
501
1,052
448
286
734
44
28
72
Completed
Statewide
31
6
37
The following submissions are examples of local security concerns at individual prisons and subsequent
changes in practice or routine.
•
Garbled Radio Transmissions – This concern was submitted to the Local Security Advisory
Committee at Clallam Bay Corrections Center as a request for a procedure to address radio
transmissions which are not understood. Visual confirmation by two staff from nonaffected work areas is now mandated to ensure the staff in question are safe.
•
Correctional Industries Delivery Process – The Stafford Creek Corrections Center Security
Advisory Committee identified a concern involving the utilization of offenders to assist
when the offender store is being delivered to the units. The practice isolated single staff
members with multiple offender porters. The new procedure for store delivery no longer
uses offender workers. The new process is efficient and increases security for the vehicles,
units, staff and offenders.
•
Urinalysis Window – The Washington Corrections Center (Reception Center) completes
urinalysis (UA) on all offenders prior to transfer. Staff requested a viewing window or
sliding panel be inserted on the UA restroom collection area door for the purpose of
security and safety. The work was completed in a matter of weeks from the date the
suggestion was received.
•
Eliminate Metal Box Cutters and Replace with Ceramic Cutting Tools – The Airway Heights
Corrections Center Security Advisory Committee identified the use of metal box cutters
and blades in various work areas inside the facility as a security concern. As a result of this
concern, they are in the process of replacing metal box cutters with the ceramic cutting
tools.
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Washington Department of Corrections
2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
•
Transport Offenders Near/In Control Area– The Larch Corrections Center Security Advisory
Committee identified the procedure of staging numerous offenders within accessible range
of the main control room while being processed in and out of the facility as a poor security
practice. This practice has been evaluated and adjusted to eliminate the congregation of
offenders near the main control room.
Several suggestions under consideration at the local level have also been forwarded to the statewide
level as a possible best practice. Listed below are a few of these possible best practices:
•
Install Mirrors-Upper Tier Blind Spots – The Airway Heights Corrections Center Security
Advisory Committee identified blind spots in living units and installed mirrors to minimize
security risks in those areas. Feedback from both staff and offenders indicates an
increased sense of personal safety in the restrooms and on the tiers in the units.
•
Mounted Duress Alarms – Multiple submissions cite concern about the lack of alarms and
radios for non-custody employees. Staff at the Washington Corrections Center devised a
wall mounted box to protect personal duress devices. The box allows the staff member in
duress to activate the device by pulling on a cord. The device emits a loud alarm that can
be heard from a great distance. Staff have identified specific locations such as the medical
treatment rooms and counselor offices where additional duress alarms provide an
additional level of security for the non-uniform staff working in those areas.
•
Removed Offender Sewing Kits – The Airway Heights Corrections Center Security Advisory
Committee recognized that since personal clothing is no longer allowed in prison, sewing
kits should no longer be sold to offenders. Sewing kits present a security risk to staff who
may be stuck or poked by sewing needles during cell searches and property pack outs. As a
result of this concern the policy for Personal Property for Offenders (440.000), was
amended to remove sewing kits.
•
Create DOC Policy Specific for Restraint Bed - The Stafford Creek Corrections Center
Security Advisory Committee requested clarification regarding the policy for the use of
restraint beds. There were several different policies for different types of restraints which
caused confusion. As a result, the Use of Restraints Policy (420.250, dissemination
restricted) was revised to incorporate all uses of restraints.
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Staff Training
Security Forums
The Department successfully completed the 20-hour security training program for first-level supervisors
working in the prison facilities. Security Forums were designed to give first level supervisors an
opportunity to communicate with each other about their work place, security practices, security
concerns and vulnerabilities. Gathering in small multi-disciplinary groups and working with a facilitator,
the supervisors reflected on their own security practices; shared those practices with others; and
received feedback on their security concerns and strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities. Each security
forum ended with a commitment from the participants to improve at least one of their identified
security concerns within their work area. The Security Forums were held at each prison and reached
more than 800 first level supervisors.
While the full effect of the Security Forums has not been measured, the majority of supervisors have
already followed through with their commitments to make changes for improvement in their security
practices or work areas. They have shared what they learned with their employees.
This statement of personal responsibility is reflective of the success of the Security Forums:
“The message was very clear. In this business, we are our brother and sister’s keeper.
Their safety is my priority, but it starts small with the little things that I can do to fix
something today. Changing a routine, altering a route of travel so I can walk through a
building. We all may not be able to implement change immediately, but we all can
effect change. It’s our job.”
- Sergeant Robert Lind, Airway Heights Corrections Center
The overwhelming success of the Security Forums is further demonstrated by the universal request of
the supervisors: offer Security Forums to all employees. This appeal inspired the design of Place Safety
Musters being offered in Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Agency Plan for Prisons Security.
Place Safety Musters
Place Safety Musters will be facilitated by area supervisors and occur monthly. These musters, inspired
by the success of the Security Forums, are intended to increase communication within work units about
safety issues. The Department developed DOC Policy 420.010 Place Safety Musters to formalize and
support this practice. This policy will be in place by November 2012. (See New Policies on page 11).
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Security Specialists received training in facilitation and participated in a workshop to review the job aids
and tools being provided to supervisors. The Specialists will assist supervisors and audit Place Safety
Musters for quality assurance.
Mental Health Training
The Statewide Security Advisory Committee recognized that advanced training would benefit those who
work directly with mentally ill offenders. The Department has Residential Treatment Units at the
Monroe Correctional Complex, Washington State Penitentiary, and Washington Corrections Center for
Women. DOC started Mental Health Train-the-Trainer courses for staff working in those units. This
training will be available to all staff working in those living units and will enhance safety for staff and
offenders.
Team Tactics Training
Team tactics training was presented to custody staff at the Washington State Penitentiary during the
lockdown that occurred in February of this year. This training provides tactics for gaining control of
offenders who may have weapons or display out of control behavior. This training is being considered
for statewide inclusion in the 2014 Control Impedance Tactics curriculum.
New Policies
Place Safety Muster
The Department created DOC Policy 420.010 Place Safety Muster (dissemination restricted) to formalize
the expectation that Supervisors meet with all employees who interact and work in their areas. This
policy supports the creation of a monthly schedule in which offenders are either out of those work areas
or confined to their cells so staff can meet without distraction and discuss their security concerns. Place
Safety Musters will provide supervisors the structure and time to:
•
Develop staff awareness of personal safety and the safety of others in the work area.
•
Discuss current practices and assess vulnerabilities.
•
Increase staff knowledge of facility procedures by discussing operation updates and changes
(e.g., policy/Operational Memorandum changes, Superintendent/designee directives).
•
Conduct drills and training exercises (e.g., avoiding complacency, zones of control, new safety
procedures).
•
Encourage teamwork and open communication.
Staff Accountability
The Department created Policy 420.160 Staff Accountability (dissemination restricted) to ensure that
each prison has a system in place for documenting the arrival, departure, and location of all employees
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and visitors in the event of an emergency. In addition to accounting for staff, this policy formalizes
these practices implemented last year at each of the facilities:
•
Staff open or close program and work areas in pairs.
•
Facilities identify all isolated program and work areas for each shift.
•
Facilities monitor the offender to staff ratio for program and work areas.
•
Facilities provide a variety of duress alarm systems and equipment to staff which may include,
but are not limited to:
o
o
o
o
Radio duress alarms
Whistles
Portable duress alarms
Telephone alert systems
Pepper Spray
Oleoresin Capsicum (Pepper) Spray
ESB 5907 directed the Department to develop a comprehensive plan for the use of oleoresin capsicum
(O.C.) spray as a security measure available to staff in prisons. DOC began piloting the use of personal
carry O.C. in 2011. The initial authorized users for personal carry O.C. included a small group of
Correctional Sergeants, Response and Movement Officers, and Specialty Team members. The use of
personal carry O.C. has been appropriate and well disciplined. Staff continue to demonstrate excellent
judgment and professionalism in the use of the product.
Chart 4 – O.C. Spray Use by Year
104
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Total use of O.C. spray is up only slightly from last year prior to the issuance of personal carry O.C. spray.
The O.C. pilot project continues to expand and include more staff authorized to carry O.C. in their
regular work assignment.
As of October 1, 2012, the staff authorized for personal carry O.C. include:
•
Correctional Sergeants.
•
Response and Movement Officers.
•
Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), Emergency Response Team (ERT), and Inmate
Recovery Team (IRT) members on duty, regardless of post and/or assignment.
•
Custody Staff assigned to Close Custody Living Units and all program areas at Clallam Bay
Corrections Center, Washington State Penitentiary, Washington Corrections Center, and the
Special Offender Unit at the Monroe Correctional Complex.
•
Correctional Officers assigned to Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC) and Treatment
Evaluation Center (TEC) Living Units at the Washington Corrections Center and Washington
Corrections Center for Women.
•
Correctional Officers assigned to Intensive Management Units (IMU) and Segregation Units.
•
Correctional Officers assigned to recreation, yard, or gym posts at Medium Custody facilities.
Security Technology
Electronic Security System Evaluation
Several prisons in the Department use touch screen systems to control doors and gates and operate
cameras. The Prisons Division tracks failures of these systems through the Incident Management
Reporting System (IMRS). The IMRS system is a web based tracking system used to collect and report
data on the management of significant incidents statewide.
An evaluation of these electronic system failures indicated that much of the equipment was out of
warranty, outdated technology, or no longer supported by the original manufacturer. The Department
prioritized the equipment requirements and replaced several systems at the following facilities:
Washington Corrections Center for Women, Special Offender Unit at the Monroe Correctional Complex,
and the Washington Corrections Center. As a result of this project, the Department achieved some
standardization of these systems and developed uniform plans for monitoring and maintenance.
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Proximity Card System
The purpose of the Proximity Card System is to provide an accurate, on demand accounting report
identifying all non-offenders within a facility’s perimeter. To achieve this, card readers and turnstiles are
installed at control points where personnel enter and exit the secured perimeter. Card readers are also
installed at vehicle sally ports. Each facility would require a unique installation due to differences in
physical plant layout. For identification purposes, the proximity card credential would be the
individual’s photo ID badge.
A prototype proximity card system has been installed at the Washington State Penitentiary and
is being piloted. In June of 2012, the Statewide Security Advisory Committee met at the
penitentiary to see and experience the system first hand. The Statewide Security Advisory
Committee supports the need for proximity card systems and the expansion of electronic
accountability system technology to additional facilities.
Body Alarm Pilot
A body alarm system is scheduled to be piloted at the Monroe Correctional Complex – Washington State
Reformatory Unit. The vendor will provide user training to staff on all three shifts.
System construction began in October of 2012 and is
expected to be completed in February of 2013.
Video Monitoring Cameras
A consultant, KMB Design Groups, Inc., has issued the final draft of the analysis of DOC’s video systems
and Security Video Standards for Correctional Facilities (Standards). The Standards address:
•
•
•
•
•
camera locations based on intended purpose;
differences of custody level and gender of the offender population;
video acuity requirements;
locations where live video is viewable and when it is expected to be viewed; and
video recording and access to archived video standards.
The consultant’s comprehensive report addresses the recommended information technology and
infrastructure requirements and the estimated costs for upgrading existing facilities to meet the
Standards. The total project cost is estimated at $49,940,000 for updating the video systems at all
prison facilities.
The Department is developing a strategy to prioritize the
upgrade of this equipment in manageable funding requests.
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Evidence Based Corrections
Motivating Offender Change
This evidence based program is being delivered to select offenders at the maximum custody level at the
Washington State Penitentiary and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address violent
behavior. These maximum custody offenders are housed in the Intensive Management Units at the
highest security level of the Department. This is precedence setting as the shift from an isolative
practice to a classroom type setting occurs. This high security classroom utilizes specially constructed
chairs providing the offender students mobility without compromising security. The CBT components
include pre-treatment, an engagement program (“Intro to CBT”), and an aggression intervention
program. Additional program opportunities will include socialization through volunteer activities.
Fidelity of the program is ensured through a quality assurance process.
Currently the program is operating with initial capacity. A budget request has been made to fund
additional custody staffing to facilitate escorts of offenders to and from the program, and to provide
security and supervision of the offenders while programming.
Operation Place Safety
The Department is in the process of modifying violence reduction strategies, specifically as they relate to
violent misconduct committed by offenders who are affiliated with gangs. Gang- affiliated offenders
comprise less than one-quarter of the prison population and yet account for almost half of the violent
misconduct in prison. This group of offenders is disproportionately housed at the Washington State
Penitentiary due to its unique physical plant which allows for the ability to keep rival gangs separated.
Chart 3 - Gang Affiliation Percentages
All Other Male
Facilities*
WSP-West Complex†
Gang-affiliated
23%
56%
Non Gang-affiliated
77%
44%
*Average Percent of AHCC, CBCC, CRCC, MCC, SCCC, WCC
†Percent of WSP-Main Units D, E, F, G ONLY
Current violence reduction strategies include either segregating or integrating rival gang members.
These strategies rely upon the disciplinary hearings process to deter the violent misconduct committed
by gang-affiliated offenders. Numerous facility closures have made segregation and integration
strategies hard to sustain. External research suggests that traditional violence deterrence strategies are
less effective when applied to gang-affiliated offenders who commit violent misconduct.
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Ceasefire, a community violence reduction strategy, has a strong track record and is being implemented
as an evidence based practice for application in prison. The Ceasefire program is based on years of
research and practical experience showing that violence is caused predominantly by a small and active
number of people locked in group dynamics such as gangs. Ceasefire is a deterrence model with the
ability to provide swift and certain sanctions when violent misconduct is committed by an offender on
behalf of a gang.
Ceasefire has been successful in reducing violent crime in communities across the country but has not
yet been implemented in a prison system. This program, as delivered in a prison setting, is known as
Operation Place Safety (OPS), and represents an enhanced deterrence regime intended as a new
approach to address and reduce violent gang misconduct. The Prisons Division is currently developing
this pilot program for implementation at the Washington State Penitentiary in the West Complex Close
Custody Units.
Evidence Based Corrections Program Pilot
The Prisons Division is piloting a program designed to reduce recidivism, idleness, and aggression.
Evidence based practices are used to address the behavior of offenders who pose a higher risk to reoffend and are assessed as higher need in the areas that include aggression, coping skills, criminal
attitudes, values, and beliefs.
These programs are being piloted at the Airway Heights Corrections Center and the Coyote Ridge
Corrections Center. These programs are utilizing Motivational Interviewing, CBT, strategic behavior
management, and other evidenced based practices to help offenders move away from criminogenic
thinking and toward pro-social behavior. The capacity of these programs ranges from 128 to 132
offenders. All staff assigned to these programs have received additional training to help them facilitate
positive change in the offenders.
Quality assurance is a critical part of evidence based intervention delivery. Quality assessment tools
provide feedback on workspace, materials, preparation, delivery, and effectiveness. The feedback
includes what works well or what needs improvement to help guide the facilitators. The Evidence Based
Corrections teams at Airway Heights Corrections Center, Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, and
Department Headquarters will continue to work closely with researchers to establish both intermediate
and long-term outcomes and processes for measuring change.
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NIC Recommendations – Next Steps
The Prisons Division has addressed all of the recommendations and is piloting the suggested body alarm
and proximity card technology. The Prisons Division also continues to expand on those original
recommendations.
Management by Walking Around
The NIC review team recommended the Department visibly elevate management presence within the
facilities. They used the phrase ‘Management by Walking Around’ or MBWA. Prisons Division had
already incorporated this recommendation in DOC Policy 110.100 Prison Management Expectations.
This policy directs Superintendents and their Executive Teams to walk through the facility living units
and program areas on each shift. Building on the spirit of that recommendation, the Assistant Secretary
for Prisons Division and the Director of Security visited all 12 prisons during swing shift this summer.
The majority of these visits occurred on weekends or holidays. The experience provided an opportunity
to hear directly from staff working closest to offenders and receive first-hand accounts of their issues
and concerns. Based on observation during these site visits and feedback from the employees, some
practices were changed quickly and some concerns were referred for further review. In addition, the
Department has or will conduct the following:
•
•
•
•
Additional training/clarification about the use of personal carry O.C. spray.
Expansion of the personal carry O.C. pilot to include more custody staff.
Survey of recreational staff coverage during holidays and weekends.
Survey of offender programs/activities during holidays.
Each site visit was productive, well received, and informative. The Prisons Division Management Team is
planning to complete site visits for all prisons on graveyard shift in the next several months.
Security Audit - Monroe Correctional Complex
The NIC review team also recommended that the Prisons Division conduct a security audit at the
Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC). MCC hosted an NIC “Conducting Security Audits” class,
September 18-22, 2011. This class taught corrections professionals from prisons outside of Washington
how to conduct a security audit. The Department recently received the closeout audit report from this
class and is developing an action plan to address items from that audit. NIC has also offered to return
to Washington and teach this same class for 30 Department employees. This training will be offered in
2013.
Washington Department of Corrections
2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
17 | P a g e
Prisons Management – Labor Collaboration
This year, the Prisons Management Team met on two separate occasions with statewide representatives
and members of Teamsters Local 117 to discuss security and/or safety concerns. These meetings were
productive and allowed both sides to offer clarification and address concerns.
Safety Article
An Article on the Local and Statewide Security Advisory Committees was added to the 2013-2015
Collective Bargaining Agreement between Teamsters Local Union 117 and the State of Washington.
Article X states in part:
“The Employer and the Union agree that addressing employee security
concerns is an important factor in operating safe prisons. Therefore, the
Union and the Employer will cooperate in the endeavor to address
employee security concerns through regular local and statewide security
advisory committees as established by agency policy and RCW 72.09.680.”
The Article also outlines the roles and expectations for the local and statewide security advisory committees.
Washington Department of Corrections
2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
18 | P a g e
Community Corrections Safety
As the Community Corrections Division is implementing new laws, policies, and procedures aligned with
evidenced based corrections and a new supervision model, changes and implementation of the law has
been accomplished with the underlying principle of focusing on staff safety.
As a result of previous legislation, the population on the community corrections caseload continues to
drop, with a reduction of 1,043 of the average daily population since this time last year. However, the
majority of the offenders on community custody remain classified as higher risk offenders (67%).
Legislation passed in the 2012 Legislative Session, Second Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6204
(2E2SSB 6204), targeted the use of confinement to respond to low level violations with swiftness and
certainty. This model is expected to be very effective for increasing offender compliance with
conditions of supervision, and will result in more arrests by Community Corrections Officers. Arrests of
offenders is one of the more dangerous activities associated with supervising a high risk population.
While the length of sanction is minimal, one to three days, the knowledge of the certainty of the arrest
increases the potential danger of the interaction with the community corrections staff. This report will
detail the steps taken this year to mitigate the risk and to give staff tools to increase personal safety.
Community Corrections Safety Committee
In 2011, the Community Corrections Division formed a Safety Committee to evaluate statewide safety
issues. The Committee continues to be an active committee, meeting quarterly and was charged with
evaluating and proposing solutions to improve the operational safety of staff performing the work of
community corrections. The scope of the committee includes focusing on and improving applicable
policies, training, and equipment. A SharePoint site has been established to allow staff from across the
state to engage the committee with concerns and suggestions, as well as to serve as a mechanism to
maintain quality personnel and interest between the committee members.
Within the Community Corrections Division, a Community Corrections Specialist position was
established to assist in developing statewide standards to account for staff who work in the field. This
position will include the duty to develop a Field and Office Protocol program that will contain the
following practices:
• Accounting for staff during emergencies,
• Increasing staff safety while making offender contacts in the community, and
• Alerting staff to dangerous situations and develop notification standards.
Washington Department of Corrections
2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
19 | P a g e
Staff Training
With re-investment of some of the savings achieved through the reengineering efforts, the Community
Corrections Division has invested in additional cognitive behavioral interventions and a quality assurance
program. The training for community corrections staff continues to be in skill sets that will improve
staff’s ability to engage offenders and to intervene in high risk offender behavior. In addition to training
specific to how staff engages with offenders under community supervision, there have been gains made
for safety training efforts as well.
•
Arrest Training: Enhanced training in the areas of Arrest, Search and Seizure was developed and
provided to staff in the setting in which this work is accomplished, at the unit level. This training
was given to all the community corrections staff at the unit level.
•
Implementation of Swift and Certain Sanctions: Training was developed and implemented
statewide, again at the unit level, to provide training that enhanced staff safety as the swift and
certain sanctioning model of community corrections was implemented and the number of
arrests has increased. The next phase of training will focus on staff response to offenders that
violate the condition of Failure to Obey All Laws.
•
Control Impedance Training: The Community Corrections Division is piloting a new
methodology of training on control and impedance tactics that is expected to decrease staff
injuries and improve retention of skills. The training will be delivered in a revised schedule of
additional, shorter days to reduce fatigue that can cause injuries during the training. The pilot
will be initiated in the Eastern side of the state in January of 2013 and will be assessed in August
of 2013 for statewide application.
•
Support Staff Safety Training Pilot: Training has been deployed on defense tactic training for
administrative and support staff in community corrections, as these staff have interaction and
contact with the offender population on a daily basis.
•
Mental Health Services: Several community corrections staff was selected to attend the 2012
Behavioral Healthcare Conference sponsored and organized by the Washington Community
Mental Health Council. The conference included a presentation by David Stephens, an expert
on corrections, about the evidence-based components of successful prisoner re-entry; and had
over 35 workshops available on a variety of topics.
Washington Department of Corrections
2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
20 | P a g e
Policy and Equipment Enhancements
•
•
Use of Force Policies: The Community Corrections Division has made improvements to several
of the policies governing Use of Force. A significant change is that a mandate was established
that requires a ballistic vest be worn when carrying a firearm in the community. Another
improvement includes removing the requirement that the community corrections staff that
carry firearms, conceal their weapons. Because staff have the option to now carry their firearm
unconcealed, a new retention holster is available to staff. The new holster has increased
security by offering a higher retention system designed to make it harder for someone to try
and remove or take the weapon. In order to facilitate these changes adjustments were made to
these DOC Policies:
o
410.220 Firearms for Community Corrections (dissemination restricted)
o
410.920 Use of Force – Community Corrections (dissemination restricted)
o
410.930 Community Corrections Use of Force Training (dissemination restricted)
Ballistic Vests: The Community Corrections Division is implementing a new design of ballistic
vest that is lighter weight and more comfortable to wear. The vests are currently deployed
based on the normal cycle. Future deployments will include staff in the field that do not carry
firearms.
Funding Requests
While there are several initiatives in place with existing funds for increasing staff safety, in order to
achieve enhanced safety for Community Corrections staff, DOC requested additional funding in the
2013-2015 Biennial Budget for additional equipment, staff training, and/or policy items, described in
more detail below.
•
Electronic Immobilization Devices (EIDs) - $74,000: Funds are requested to pilot the use of EIDs
as an option for the use of intermediate force as an additional mode of security for staff
arresting or transporting offenders under supervision. This request includes 50 EIDs, which will
be deployed according to the Community Corrections plan for pilot implementation. Based on
diversity, i.e. geography, density, population, and assigned EIDs, devices will be distributed to
several offices with a scheduled evaluation period that would then inform the process for any
additional rollout. The equipment will be distributed to staff through training and with specified
criteria for follow-up.
•
Leased camera systems - $228,000: Funds are requested for cameras at Olympia Work Release,
which currently has no cameras on site and for Eleanor Chase House which currently has 12
working cameras on site with four exterior building channels experiencing intermittent failure.
Cameras afford DOC key evidence and historical detail of events that occur and may serve as a
deterrent to assaults on offenders and staff.
Washington Department of Corrections
2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
21 | P a g e
Appendix
Facility Highlights
Washington Department of Corrections
2012 Annual Report on Staff Safety to the Legislature
22 | P a g e
Airway Heights Corrections Center
Local Safety Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Leonard Mayfield, Captain
Barb Arnett, CS3
Stephen Bolinger, CO2
Nicholas DeBusk,CO2
Anne Guzman, AA3
Tina Hansen, Sec Senior
Tommy Hicks, Safety Officer 1
Vicki Hoffman,CIS2
Matt Keeler, CO2
James Key, Assoc Sup
Robert Lind, Sgt.
Jennifer Ridgeway, CO2
Nell Rutzer, Warehouse
Operator 4
Dwayne Sauter, CO2
Geof Smith, Sgt.
Gary Troutt, RN2
David Window, Lieutenant
Linda Aff, Sec Senior
Rena Albertson, CC2
John Anderson, Electrician
Supervisor
Catarina Erickson, CO2
Paula Henderson, CPM
Murray Cox, K-9 Officer
Anthony Harbolt, CO2
Matt Himlie, Sgt.
Richard Moore, Plant Manager
Lou Sowers, Psychologist
Michael Albrecht, AC Cook
Crystal Contreras, Psyc.
Associate
Adin Easter, CO2
Barbara Jackson, Sgt.
Kraig Witt, CUS Recreation
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
69
49
118
Completed at
Local Level
54
28
82
Referred to
SSAC
7
4
11
Completed
Statewide
3
1
4
Committee Action:
•
AHCC has implemented a procedure within their staff accountability
notification process (Emergency Employee Accountability Plan), attaching
an electronic flier with a photo and pertinent information for the missing
staff member in an email to “all users” facility wide.
•
To address large scale incidents in the offender yard, AHCC prepared
three “go bags”, each with 100 flex cuffs available and strategically
stored.
•
Identified improvements to the Offender Evacuation Staging/Assembly
Areas.
•
Installed tamper proof governors on forklifts, gators and mowers to
reduce the risk of injuries and avoid a breach of the perimeter.
•
Implemented a procedure to verify non-custody employees are safe and
secure when they fail to sign out via facility accountability logs. (calls to
home/cell)
•
Officers deployed to staff the portable tower are now authorized to check
out a cell phone and additional radio battery with a battery charger.
•
Dayroom doors were modified to accommodate egress to and from the
officer cubicles and to provide officer safety.
A-1
Clallam Bay Corrections Center
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Edwin Reetz, Captain
Denise Larson, CS3
Lawrence Adamire, CO2
Jim Hulse, Doctor
Kathryn Banner, Sgt.
Gerald Banner, Sgt.
Glen Nicholas. Sgt.
Jamie Calley, FM4
Amber Bates, AA3
Claude Weadon, RN3
Pete Granum, ET4
Dave Simm, RN3
John Stubbs, CIS4
Steven Dailey, CO2
Jason Earls, CO2
Faye Nicholas, Sgt.
Craig Wilcox, CO2
Lloyd Bookter , Sgt.
Jerry McHaffie, Sgt.
Helen Donatacci, CC3
Michelle Klepps, CC2
Ron Gaydeski, Safety Officer
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
42
37
79
Completed at
Local Level
38
10
48
Referred to
SSAC
1
2
3
Completed
Statewide
0
1
1
Committee Action:
•
The Courtyard Egress Door from the Medium Security Unit to the main
courtyard is being replaced with an egress door system with full height
tandem turnstiles.
•
Installed lock boxes at control points for immediate access to O.C. spray
for emergency situations.
•
Program areas now provide writing tools eliminating the need for
offenders to carry them during movement periods.
•
Completed a radio reception project designed to improve the portable
radio coverage in the facility by installing 3 amplifiers to boost the signal,
eliminating “dead spots”.
•
Observation units were added to the Shift Lieutenant’s office to provide
additional viewing areas for the Medium Security Units.
•
Installed convex mirrors in Recreation, Dental and Close Custody units to
improve staff visibility.
•
Installed a Lexan window in the reception area of the Health Care Unit to
secure the staff working in the area.
A-2
Cedar Creek Corrections Center
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Gerald Isham, Lieutenant
Sylvia Dewitt, CS3
Jack Brumbaugh, Warehouse
Operator 4
Jessica Anderson AA3
Terry Hartman, CO2
Patricia Riley, Cook
Demar Holtz, Plant Mngr.
Julie Shinn, Psychology Assoc.
Chad Hostetler, Rec./Athletic
Specialist
Paris Albertsen, CO2
Terry Powell, CO2
Gary Kirschenmann, Sgt.
William Schrock, Sgt.
Kenneth Towne, CO2
Stacey Doucette, Medical Asst.
Debra Byers, CC2
Laura Thorson, CC2
Winston Brown, CC2
John Barnes, Chaplain 2
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
31
21
52
Completed at
Local Level
21
16
37
Referred to
SSAC
6
1
7
Completed
Statewide
5
1
6
Committee Action:
•
Stenciled the tier and bunk number(s) above corresponding windows
on the exterior of the building to enhance security for the living units.
Additionally the emergency exits have been clearly and boldly identified.
The posting of compass points in prominent locations has also been
completed.
•
The offender callout process has been clarified and refined to ensure the
appropriate number of offenders called to activities is based on maximum
occupancy and/or available seats (example: only 4 haircuts per hour).
This alleviates opportunities for offenders to conduct unauthorized
business.
•
Relocated the security mirror in the Visit Room. The mirror is now
orientated in the direction of the visitors entry and check in.
•
Implemented a process for providing additional staff for, or to authorize
canceling the 1930 hours recreation movement during inclement weather
if staff on shift is limited.
•
To facilitate urgent access to the SHU, a key has been secured in a lock
box in Cascade unit.
•
DNR and Maintenance Supervisors unlock the T-line entrance gate at
0500 hours, instead of utilizing custody staff who are otherwise engaged
in observing short line, (offender kitchen workers).
A-3
Coyote Ridge Corrections Center
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Sean Murphy, Captain
Abe Clark, CS3
Jeff Perkins, CS3
Amy Carmody, Secretary Senior
Kevin Thorson, Sgt.
Joshua Hall, CO2
Tracy Kessler, OA3
Andrew Ramsey, CC2
Amy Williams, AA2
Williams Culey, Correctional
Records Technician
John Sharples, Sgt.
Kellon Cunningham, CO2
Richard, Duncan, Lieutenant
Raymond Case, CO2
William Culey, Records Tech.
Mathew Culverhouse, Sgt.
Joshua Hines, CC2
Tony Hoffman, Secretary Sup.
Daniel Hollibaugh, Sgt.
Charles Hudgins, CI Manager
Tara Lund, Psych Associate
Genesis Mendez, AA
Brian Prudhomme, Safety
Officer
Patrick Strand, CO2
Robbie Wiley, Sgt.
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
87
88
175
Completed at
Local Level
69
22
91
Referred to
SSAC
5
1
6
Completed
Statewide
2
0
2
Committee Action:
•
Removed squeegees from the facility as the components were identified as
potential weapons.
•
The Records office doors are now locked and can only be accessed with a
proxy card.
•
Placed portable battery chargers in perimeter vehicles. This alleviates the
process of having the perimeter vehicles wait in front of the facility while
the Public Access Officer swapped the batteries out with the Minor Control
Officer, essentially taking the vehicle out of service.
•
Remodeled the security gates to eliminate the possibility of offenders using
their own locks to defeat facility response to those areas.
•
Relocated staff lockers and changed the locks to better secure staff
personal belongings.
•
Moved Class B tools from the religious programs closet for storage outside
of the building.
•
Reprogrammed the off-hook alarm phone located in Master Control to
indicate caller’s location and name.
•
Placed cuff keys on all custody staff key rings.
A-4
Larch Corrections Center
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Bobby Greene, Lieutenant
Brian Barge, CS3
James Brown, Sgt.
Chris De la Rocha, CO2
Mark Francis, Sgt.
Terry Hettinger, PM
Jennifer Luppino, Sgt.
Roberto Olivera, CO2
Mark Oster, CO2
Dan Rock, DNR
Maria Roe, RN
Susan Yadon, OAS
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
35
18
53
Completed at
Local Level
31
14
45
Referred to
SSAC
1
2
3
Completed
Statewide
1
0
1
Committee Action:
•
Staff working primarily inside the perimeter has the ability to check out a
radio equipped with a duress button on the receiver and microphone.
•
Personal protection alarms or “screechers” are available to staff who
work outside of the perimeter and are required to enter the perimeter
from time to time.
•
Correctional Worker Crew supervisors perform work in areas receiving
limited cell phone service. As an increased safety measure these crews
check into the facility once per hour with status update and offender
counts. Their locations are also communicated to the Clark Regional
Emergency Services Agency in order for local law enforcement to know
where the crews are working.
•
Changed the ring tone for the emergency phone in control to allow the
control room officer to quickly differentiate between regular phone and
emergency phone calls.
•
Addressed major security concerns as a result of the Physical Plant Safety
module during 2011-2012 Annual In-Service training. Some concerns
included protecting essential IT wiring in an offender janitor closet,
protecting the main sally port with metal plates, and shielding the control
building entrance keypad from view of an offender dayroom.
•
Increased yard checks on 2nd and 3rd shifts as offenders were
congregating in small groups and loitering.
•
Increased staff presence in the dining hall during mainline.
A-5
Monroe Correctional Complex
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Paula Chandler, Captain
Kenneth Bratten, Captain
Stephan Rose, CS3
Mathew Burns, CS3
Tammy O’Reilly Kennedy, CS3
Bridget Grosso, HC3
Frances Hall, CC2
Troy Hansen, Plant Mgr.
Kirby Logan, CO2
Christopher Lopez, Sgt.
Peter Maxson, CS3
Craig McIntrye, Sgt.
Kathleen Bechler, AA3
Kristyn Whisman, Education
Fred Zak, Safety Officer
Beth Anderson, Sgt.
Donald Holevinski, Lt.
Arben Kullojka, Sgt.
Lisa Milstead, CO2
Jeffery Swan, CO2
Douglas Taylor, CO2
Lolinda White, Sgt.
Augustin Escobar, Psychiatric
Social Worker 3
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
64
47
111
Completed at
Local Level
51
47
98
Referred to
SSAC
8
3
11
Completed
Statewide
6
0
6
Committee Action:
•
MCC has hired a K9 officer to use for drug detection.
•
Garden stakes are blunted to diminish ability to use as a weapon.
•
Standardized cell search kits will be used in all units.
•
Needle count procedures are to be completed by nursing staff and a
custody officer.
•
Windows have been tinted as a security precaution on transportation
vehicles.
•
Lieutenant’s radio replies will be specific when approving or disapproving
anything via radio. (Restricted keys, maintenance in a tower, etc...)
•
Punching bags have been removed from the MCC Gymnasiums due to
security reasons.
•
Magnets have been removed and replaced with hooks on the cell doors in
the IMU to eliminate offender opportunity to retrieve clipboards.
•
Lack of protective gear was noted during a drill. MCC has purchased new
QRST, (Quick Response Strike Team) for both first and second phase
responders.
•
Clarified process for accountability of inmate transports and community
work crews.
A-6
Mission Creek Corrections Center
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Dan Davis, Lieutenant
Kevin Milovac, CS3
Christie Apker, CC2
Ernest Gately, Sgt.
Linda King, WO2
Brenda Gatling, OA3
Katherine Newsom, Sgt.
George Gasson, CS3
Mike Farris, Maintenance
Mechanic 1
Imo Smith, Chaplain
Linley Allen, Program Mgr.
Heather Carlson, Psychology
Associate
Milo Ames, CO2
Frank Borja, Sgt.
Teresa Boyer, OAS3
Heather Carlson, Psych Assoc.
Jeffrey Fields, CUS
Patrick Lewis, CO2
Alena McGowan-Folsom,
AC Cook
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
24
21
45
Completed at
Local Level
21
18
39
Referred to
SSAC
1
1
2
Completed
Statewide
1
0
1
Committee Action:
•
Modified the doors on the armory and key room by installing peep holes for
viewing requests for access.
•
Installed security windows in office doors in the lower and upper
administration work areas.
•
The Shift Office split door entry has been identified as a potential security
risk. It has been deemed emergency access only and the alternate entry
door has been designated as the main entry.
•
Installed new cuff ports on two of the cell doors in the Secured Housing
Unit.
•
A chemical deicer was purchased and made available to staff when locks
froze during inclement weather.
•
Issued paper cups in lieu of plastic in the Secured Housing Unit.
•
Replaced two cordless phones and phone jack in a unit to have on hand
during emergencies.
•
Phone and data jacks have been installed in exam room to address
communication needs for the clinic.
A-7
Olympic Corrections Center
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Scott Speer, Lieutenant
Marc Thomas, CS3
Elbert Jennings, Technician
Garry Wakeman, Chaplain
Greg Banner, Maintenance
Harold Curtis, Psych Assoc.
Jeffrey Claussen, Food Mngr.
Lori Lawson, Training
Lynn Archibald, CO2
Miranda Puksta, OAS
Missy Burr, Camp Manager
Nick Riggan, Business Office
Phillip Kitchel, CO2
Rick Gooding, CO2
Sue E. Gibbs, AA4
Tambra Zander, TC Program
Manager
Robert Williams, Recreation
Tim Wade, Sgt.
Tracy Hixson, CPM
Vickie Buchman, Education
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
25
21
46
Completed at
Local Level
19
14
33
Referred to
SSAC
2
0
2
Completed
Statewide
2
0
2
Committee Action:
•
Installed audio/video surveillance on two DNR crew buses to provide
better observation, a deterrent for misconduct and to reduce the
opportunity for introduction and transportation of contraband among
DNR offenders into the facilities.
•
The Shift Commander accounts for all staff as they arrive to work. This
ensures the accountability of all on-coming staff as well as all off-going
staff.
•
Narrowed the parameters of access to the administrative building by
having the offender porter report to the Shift Office to be escorted.
•
All door stops were removed in the R&M and Shift offices, mandating
those doors remain closed & locked.
•
Convex mirror has been installed above the entrance way in the kitchen
to allow officers better viewing in their work area.
•
Low watt lighting has been installed in all phone booths in the living units
to allow officers better visibility and additional security.
•
Additional keys have been issued to Warehouse and Correctional
Industries staff to access the emergency door separating both
departments to use as an alternate exit.
A-8
Stafford Creek Corrections Center
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Clint May, Captain
Doug Matthews, CS3
Michelle Johnson, AA3
Gary Bohon, CPM
Bill Swain, CUS
Ronnie Matsen, Sgt.
Ben Porter, Lieutenant
Eric Mainio, Lieutenant
Bill Nelson, CO2
Sue McCann, AA3
Joiann DeHaven, CC3
Paula Boemer, Education
Sally Theissen, CI
Gerry Bolden, Construction
Maintenance Supervisor
Ken Halverson, AC
Shelly MacKinder,
Secretary Senior
Cory Whaley, I&I
Ronnie Sauer, Training
Greg Judd, Sgt.
Amanda Thomas, CC2
Lisa Ross, Secretary Senior
Tom L’Heureux, CS3
Roe Simmons, Safety Officer
Patrick Rininger, Sgt.
Eric Nowobilski, CO2
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
44
51
95
Completed at
Local Level
39
31
70
Referred to
SSAC
4
8
12
Completed
Statewide
3
1
4
Committee Action:
•
SCCC acknowledged a disparity within the staffing model in regards to
two sergeant positions on dayshift resulting in uneven supervisory
coverage. The positions’ days off were switched to address the coverage
inadequacy. Both Sergeants agreed and retained post rights.
•
A secure, direct route has been established for escorting offenders to the
IMU. A new walkway was poured and fence installed which by-passes
multiple gates and maintains the inner security perimeter.
•
Currently working on relocating the fence line in front of Master Control
to establish an unobstructed view of the breezeway for security purposes.
•
Constructed sand pits at the base of Towers 1 and 2 as designated areas
to fire warning shots when/if necessary.
•
Placed 3 cement/metal barricades behind the U2 building to prevent
attempts of escape utilizing the forklift.
•
Repositioned Camera #192, located behind medical, to provide better
coverage of the HUB recycle/garden areas.
•
Changed a light switch in the Lower Medical holding cell from standard to
a keyed style switch.
• Modified restraints to create double length leg restraints to use during
hospital watches. This was done to alleviate the practice of officers
connecting two sets of leg restraints.
A-9
Washington Corrections Center
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Mike Green, Captain
Scott Anderson, CS3
Greg Metzcus, Safety Officer
Larry Johnson, Rec/Athletics
Specialist
Corey Clark, HR
Milanda Carson, Sgt.
Dan Wistie, Sgt.
Jamison Roberts, Sgt.
Deborah Colby, OA2
Brian Clark, CIS4
Douglas French, CO2
Jeff McCall, Psychologist 3
Jeff Ellison, Investigator 2
Tammy Stark,
Secretary Senior
Josh Adams, SGT.
Michelle Alejo, LPN2
Kim Ames, Sgt.
John Byrd, Maintenance
Brian Clark, Correctional
Industries
Debra Dobson, AA4
Tony Dunnington, CS4
Phillip Jennings, CO2
John Le, CO2
Jason Martin, CO2
Gregory Metzcus, Safety
Officer
John Olson, Electronics Tech.
Debbie Ricker, CO2
Heather Stucke, CO2
Tony Tellez, Cook AC
Conrada Villa-McGrath,
Classification Counselor
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
46
74
120
Completed at
Local Level
32
45
77
Referred to
SSAC
3
3
6
Completed at
SSAC Level
2
1
3
Committee Action:
•
Reconfigured and organized the facility movement schedule to reduce
unnecessary movement and allow staff to track where offenders are
going and why.
•
Restructured the process of monitoring offenders while providing meals
in the units which strengthened the security processes.
•
Officers used to stand yards by themselves with up to 200 offenders.
Now, each yard officer has a partner at all times.
•
The wheelchair gate at the main security checkpoint used to be free
swinging on a hinge. It had to be closed by offenders who were using
the gate. Now the gate is operated remotely by staff.
•
Strengthened tower and weapons box security. The towers now require
a key to enter and the security of weapons boxes have been reinforced.
•
Established a “reverse phone lookup list” to determine the caller’s
location during emergencies.
•
Installed tether retention devices on the doors of the IMU, (Intensive
Management Unit).
A-10
Washington Corrections Center for Women
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Charlotte Headley, Captain
Dennis Simons, CS3
Alyssa Eyre, CIS2
George Gilbert, Investigator
Susan Jordan, CO2
Jon Reynoldson, Maintenance
Mechanic 4
Dairyene Wooten, CC2
Dan Zoolkoski, Rec/Athletics
Specialist
Alexis Stromberg, CC3
Robin Olson, OA3
Dana Carroll, Cook
Fallen Luciano, CO2
Gerald Bailey, CUS
Mary Jones, Nurse
Nancy Crittenden, OA3
Stephen Blankenship, Safety
Officer
Donald Hunter, CO2
Joel Conger, Psychologist
Michael Zuber, Sgt.
Kelli Brown, CO2
Flora Brown, CO2
Phyllis Cherry, CO2
Charles Halcomb, Locksmith
Sitailoto Malae, Secretary
Senior
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
54
48
102
Completed at
Local Level
48
42
90
Referred to
SSAC
2
0
2
Completed
Statewide
2
0
2
Committee Action:
•
Obtained two rechargeable halogen spotlights for staff use during
perimeter inspections.
•
Accountability training for the volunteers was developed to convey the
importance of only visiting authorized destinations and then returning
directly to Public Access.
•
Lighting deficiencies were identified and the lights repositioned to
address security risks.
•
Modified the property process for offenders to pick up property. Changes
include placing offenders on the call-out by unit, and identified R&M
specific responsibility and oversight of the property movement.
•
Relocated pallets and milk carton crates to a more secure location which
also provides unobstructed visual monitoring.
•
Received a new touch screen system for the Segregation booth.
•
Reviewed and updated the mainline seating process to allow for higher
efficiency and control.
•
A review of procedures identified Gate 21, located on the inner perimeter,
as being left open based on past practice. The expectation that this gate
be secured at all times has now been communicated.
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Washington State Penitentiary
Local Security Advisory Committee Highlights
Committee
Members
Robert Piver, Captain
Thomas Garcia, CS3
Mark Knighton, CS3
Roland Swopes, CO2
Larry Hensley, Sgt.
Leland Weber, CO
Kathleen Jackson, RN
Jeffery Preas, CO2
Johnny Watts, Safety Officer
Eric Burt, CC2
Corey Schmidt, CO2
Burl Hansen, CO2
Angela Ogle, AA3
Tyler Hall, CO2
Darlene Bly, OA3
Barbara Preas, OA3
Tawny Humbert, AA3
Rebecca HaneyNixon, CC2
Monica Arlington, Sec Sr.
Suggestions/Concerns Submitted:
2011
2012
Total
Total
Received
30
26
56
Completed at
Local Level
25
17
42
Referred to
SSAC
4
3
7
Completed
Statewide
4
1
5
Committee Action:
•
Gained 1 FTE position in the Health Services Building. Initially this
position was to help with breaks and maintain safety and security on K
tier in the Hospital. This position now assists the In-patient Unit with call
outs, custody lock escorts, picking up and delivering meals, supervising
janitors and hearing escorts.
•
Engineers welded handles onto existing door knobs as staff had difficulty
gripping them and were hindered in exiting the rooms.
•
WSP has installed search devices at all official entry points. When the
“search” button is pressed the device will either show a green light,
allowing the staff member to pass or show a red light, requiring the staff
member to be searched. These devices are random and the frequency of
searches can be increased or decreased.
•
Relocated the tool board/tools from the IPU Medication Room in to the
booth. This eliminated non-medical related foot traffic from the
Medication Room while at the same time made the tools more easily
accessible to custody staff, who are the primary users.
•
During the construction and transition of the medium security complex to
what is now the West Complex the concrete parking barriers were
overlooked. These have now been removed.
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